Butler Hosts Mini Training Camp: Kuminga Remains the Only Warrior Absent, Agent Reiterates Demands

On September 25th Beijing time, reporter Shams shared the latest on Kuminga, who was absent from the Warriors' mini training camp amid ongoing stalled talks with the team.

Shams stated on the program: "Jimmy Butler definitely arranged this team event in San Diego this week, the mini training camp. It was the first time Curry, Green, and Butler all took part fully in a single team event. However, one player was missing —He is the only absence on the Warriors’ potential roster list, restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.From what I understand, he did not attend this team event and cohesion camp in San Diego. Negotiations remain at an impasse... and Kuminga also missed the first team-related activity held by the Warriors players today.”

Shams also conveyed the latest comments from Kuminga’s agent, Aaron Turner, regarding the contract deadlock: “I spoke with Kuminga’s agent Aaron Turner today, and he told me:‘The player option remains a key demand in the current negotiations.’We know the Warriors have made two offers — $75 million over 3 years or $45 million over 2 years, but both include a team option.”

Although Turner clearly stated on the show last week that Kuminga does not want to accept the qualifying offer, if the Warriors insist on retaining a “team option” in the second or third year of the contract, Kuminga may have no choice but to accept the $7.9 million qualifying offer.

If he accepts the qualifying offer, he will not only have a “trade veto” in the 2025-26 season but also gain the freedom to decide his career path as an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Earlier reports indicated that this prolonged contract negotiation has stalled other roster moves for the Warriors. Stein revealed that once Kuminga’s contract issue is resolved, the Warriors are expected to sign Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry.

Additionally, Shams reported that the restricted free agent Grimes and the 76ers still have significant differences, making a short-term agreement unlikely. Grimes was acquired by the 76ers from the Mavericks via trade for the 2024-25 season and is one of the few bright spots on the team that year. In 28 games played for the 76ers, the 25-year-old averages 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, with a shooting accuracy of 46.9%.